ITGSS Certified Technical Associate: Emerging Tech Practice Test

How does a malignant process typically appear on elastography compared to ultrasound?

1. Smaller in size than the ultrasound

2. Larger in size than the ultrasound

3. Same size as the ultrasound

4. Irregular in size for both

The correct answer is: Larger in size than the ultrasound

A malignant process on elastography typically appears larger than on a standard ultrasound due to the differences in how each imaging modality assesses tissue characteristics. Ultrasound provides a detailed view of the structural aspects of tissues, focusing on shape, size, and echogenicity. However, it may not clearly delineate variations in stiffness among tissues. On the other hand, elastography specifically evaluates the stiffness of the tissue, providing insights into the potential presence of malignancy. Malignant tissues often exhibit increased stiffness due to the desmoplastic reaction—where surrounding tissue responds to tumor presence by becoming more fibrous and dense. As a result, this increased stiffness can create an impression of increased dimensions in the lesion when viewed through elastography compared to the conventional size measured on ultrasound. This growth in perceived size on elastography can help clinicians differentiate between benign and malignant lesions more effectively, enabling more informed diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.